EMU Today

YPSILANTI ­– The Eastern Michigan University College of Technology continues to extend its academic and collaborative footprint, welcoming new partners from the United Arab Emirates to campus this summer.

The college, which this year launched a new mechanical engineering program and is also starting a new program in electrical and computer engineering this coming academic year, mirrors the overall goal of the University and President James Smith in extending Eastern Michigan’s global reach and appeal to students from around the World.

On June 20 and 21, a delegation from Abu Dhabi Polytechnic (ADPoly) in the UAE visited the campus and met with President Smith, Rhonda Longworth, provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs; and other University leaders. The delegation included Dr. AlNaqbi, director of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic and Dr Al-Shibly, department head of Autonomous Systems at the university.

“We discussed the possibilities of collaboration between ADPoly and Eastern,” Dean Qatu said. “Those opportunities include developing articulation agreements that lead students earning associate degrees and high diplomas at ADPoly into our bachelor of science programs in different disciplines, including aviation, technology management, mechanical engineering technology, electronic engineering technology, computer engineering technology, construction management, information assurance (cyber security) and others.

“Our collaboration opportunities also include creating opportunities for ADPoly students to advance into EMU graduate programs in technology."

The recent visit aligns with Dean Qatu’s goal to provide COT students with high-demand programs that lead to jobs in today’s revolving technical and global economy.

With that goal in mind, the University is undertaking a planned $40M renovation to Sill Hall, home of the College of Technology. Early construction is targeted to begin January 2019, with substantial completion set for July, 2021.

Eastern plans to again make Sill Hall its top priority in next year’s outlay request to the state of Michigan. The University will fund the first phase of the project, at a cost of $3 million.

In addition, Qatu and his faculty are modernizing the college in variety of ways this year, including adding a virtual reality lab, a robotics lab, advanced electronics lab and other enhancements.

The key? Prepare students for jobs in areas such as advanced manufacturing.

“There is a mismatch in the public perception of manufacturing; it is not going away,” Qatu said. “In fact, advanced manufacturing is moving up in Michigan. Yes, the days of cheap labor are going away, but there are good jobs in this area, and we seek to be highly competitive in preparing students to succeed.”

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.